Foodservice

UMass removes self-order food kiosks due to poor performance

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January 17, 2023

The University of Massachusetts has removed self-order kiosks from a dining hall in Amherst, Massachusetts after one week due to system failures and mixed reactions from students and staff, according to a report in The Massachusetts Daily Collegian.

Garrett Distefano, director of dining services, said system failures occurred even after the kiosks were beta tested over the summer.

Many students reported they would prefer to order from a person. Other students said the kiosks take too much time and do not reduce the line.

Distefano said there is a need for better communication with students about the transition.

The kiosks were installed at the Blue Wall food court on Nov. 28 to open additional registers as the dining service remains understaffed.

The food at UMass dining is customizable, meaning guests can get it exactly the way they want it, Distefano said.

Changes need to be made to improve the self ordering system, Distefano said. Some students suggested having the kiosks only for the deli and coffee stations.